David Adamson from ARC Fertility on Affordable Family Benefits
Family-forming benefits are not just about reproductive health – they are about creating an equitable environment where every employee feels safe, valued, and supported.
In This Post:
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is a profound experience, marked by joy, anticipation and, at times, unexpected challenges.
Drawing from decades of experience as a reproductive endocrinologist and the Founder and CEO of ARC Fertility, I would like to share insights into the critical importance of incorporating affordable family-forming benefits into employee packages.
This perspective doesn’t just come from a healthcare professional but from someone who has navigated the diverse paths of starting a family.
Family-forming benefits are important because they make fertility care affordable to people who really need help to start a family. In my several decades treating women and men with infertility, I have experienced many heartbreaking situations: women who leave jobs they love to go to a company that provides some fertility benefits, women who go into a deep depression and need professional help and medications, men who become angry and take this anger out on their wife, women who are shamed by in-laws resulting in complete loss of family functioning, and marriages that end in divorce because the cultural need to have children is more important than the marital relationship.
They also include women who must undergo cancer treatment that will end their fertility because they cannot afford to freeze their eggs, and those in the LGBTQ+ community who want children but don’t have the resources to pursue their dream of a family.
The Evolving Landscape of Family Building
In recent years, the landscape of family building has undergone significant changes.
Families are no longer confined to traditional norms, with same-sex partners, single parenthood, and individuals pursuing parenthood later in life reshaping our understanding of what constitutes a family.
The desire to build a family transcends all backgrounds and walks of life. This shift necessitates a corresponding evolution in the support structures provided by employers to ensure that family-forming benefits are inclusive and accessible to all.
An expanded definition of family not only aligns with the changing dynamics of our society but also intertwines with the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Recognizing diverse family structures is a cornerstone of fostering an inclusive workplace.
It goes beyond acknowledging differences and involves actively supporting employees in their unique family-building journeys. Companies committed to DEI understand that family-forming benefits are not just about reproductive health: they are about creating an equitable environment where every employee feels safe, valued and supported.
At the heart of the discussion around DEI is the commitment to making high-quality family-forming benefits accessible to everyone. For self-insured entities and workforces seeking affordable family-forming solutions, an empowering approach can align with individuals’ budgets and lifestyles.
Recognizing and embracing the diversity of family structures, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, is crucial. The desire to have children is universal and employers should consider this inclusivity in their benefit packages.
“Families are no longer confined to traditional norms, with same-sex partners, single parenthood, and individuals pursuing parenthood later in life reshaping our understanding of what constitutes a family. The desire to build a family transcends all backgrounds and walks of life. This shift necessitates a corresponding evolution in the support structures provided by employers to ensure that family-forming benefits are inclusive and accessible to all.”
David Adamson
MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Founder & CEO of ARC Fertility
Elevate Your Benefits, Empower Your Workforce
Balancing work and life during fertility treatments is a delicate dance that many individuals find challenging. Transparent communication and flexible work arrangements play a pivotal role in supporting employees through this journey.
By incorporating family-forming benefits into employee packages, companies not only empower their workforce but also contribute to a positive work-life balance. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments, employers can ensure that individuals pursue their dream of parenthood without compromising their professional lives.
Understanding the financial strain that inadequate coverage places on employees, incorporating these key strategies becomes paramount:
1) Evidence-Based Packaged Care
Prioritize connecting individuals with top-tier doctors. Quality should triumph over quantity, ensuring that patients receive superior treatment at a reduced cost. This emphasis on evidence-based care not only upholds the highest standards but also significantly lowers the financial burden on both individuals and employers.
2) Waste Reduction
Exclude unproven treatments, preventing miscoding of fertility care and securing discounts from providers. This reduction in waste directly translates into lower overall costs for fertility benefits.
3) Low Access Fee
Provide employees with unlimited access to digital programs and one-on-one concierge navigation. This informed approach empowers individuals to make crucial reproductive health decisions, potentially reducing the need for costly medical interventions.
4) No PEPM (Per Employee Per Month)
Allow employers the flexibility to choose a benefit subsidy aligned with their budget without incurring fixed monthly costs.
5) Value-Added Programs
Go beyond the conventional by offering optional programs that enhance overall value. These include direct-to-consumer lending, competitively priced pharmacy plans, and comprehensive support programs covering pregnancy, lactation, early parenthood, and return-to-work initiatives.
6) Comprehensive support
Providing assistance with clinic information, affordable treatment programs and dedicated support for sharing family-building information with employees can make a substantial difference.
In addition to these core strategies, alleviating financial stress is possible through a range of tailored options. Affordable fertility financing choices, discounted multi-cycle in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment packages and reduced costs on fertility medications are integral parts of a commitment to accessible care.
This approach ensures that individuals and employers can navigate the family-forming journey with flexibility, support and confidence.
A Shared Commitment to Life's Beginnings
Regardless of economic or social status, the vision is clear: everyone deserves the opportunity to build their family. An unwavering commitment to affordability, accessibility and high-quality care can transform lives, one family at a time.
As the founder of ARC Fertility, my mission has been to break down barriers to accessing high-quality reproductive care. I have empowered my entire team with an understanding that the financial strain associated with fertility treatments can be overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to providing affordable solutions that ensure safe fertility care for all. Our comprehensive benefits cover a range of family-forming options, from assisted reproductive technology (ART) and genetic screening to surrogacy and adoption.
The journey to parenthood is a deeply personal and sometimes complex expedition.
As someone who has walked this path both professionally and personally, I cannot emphasize enough the indispensable role of affordable family-forming benefits. It is not merely a checkbox in an employee benefits package, it is a commitment to fostering a workplace where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, can embark on the transformative journey of building a family.
Together, let’s nurture life’s beginnings and create a future where safe fertility care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all.
Written by expert:
David Adamson
MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Founder & CEO of ARC Fertility
Family Support & Planning Services
Browse our curated list of vendors to find the best solution for your needs.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest trends, expert tips, and workplace insights!
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Related Posts
Amy Spurling from Compt on Toxic Work Environments
Employees facing a toxic work environment often find themselves in challenging situations, but there are constructive steps they can take to address the issue.
Erika Sinner from Directorie on the “Great Regret”
The employee journey isn’t linear; it’s about identifying key moments that shape experiences.
Ron Gura from Empathy on Bereavement Policy
What strategies can companies adopt to offer more comprehensive bereavement policies and benefits to support their employees during challenging periods?